Matt Barrows

Published on Apr. 27, 2012

Apr. 27, 2012

ROUND 1, PICK 30

A.J. JENKINS

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Wide receiver, Illinois

How he fits: The 49ers have been without a consistent deep threat since Terrell Owens left town in 2004. The team clocked Jenkins at 4.31 seconds at the Scouting Combine, and they said he was one of the smoothest route runners in the draft. That gives them a versatile and multidimensional receiver who also can take the lid off of defenses, something the team lacked last season.

One area that needs work: Jenkins’ strength. He was unable to hit the weight room because of injuries at Illinois and must add weight and muscle.

When he’ll play: That will have a lot to do with the other receivers on the team, especially free-agent pickup Randy Moss. The 49ers are hoping that Moss will put a stamp on his hall-of-fame career, which would put Moss and either Michael Crabtree or Mario Manningham in a starting role. That wouldn’t necessarily be a bad spot for Jenkins, who can spend his rookie season getting stronger and learning from a veteran like Moss.

One note from 2011: Each of the 49ers’ five wide receivers missed at least one game with an injury. Even if Jenkins isn’t starting at the beginning of the season, he could be by the end.

THE TAKE

“He’s just a very accomplished route runner for a college (player). His athleticism, the way he carries his speed into and out of his routes, the way he carries his speed through the catch. He’s a guy that’s very sure-handed, very good with the ball in his hands.” — general manager Trent Baalke

REMAINING PICKS

Round-overall: 2-61, 3-92, 4-125, 5-165, 6-199, 7-237

TEAM NEEDS

1. Guard. The 49ers still have an opening at right guard after starter Adam Snyder left for Arizona in free agency. The team took a long look at Midwestern State’s Amini Silatolu, who they might be hoping is still around in the second round.

2. Safety. The 49ers have three good players at this position but could stand to use one more. One player to keep an eye on is Michigan State’s Trent Robinson. He’s a bit undersized but could step in on special teams and be a backup to free safety Dashon Goldson. Goldson is on a one-year deal as the team’s franchise player.

3. Running back. Frank Gore began to slow down at the end of the season and it’s not known how much longer he can be the team’s so-called, bell-cow runner. The 49ers took a close look at several runners who will be available, including Washington’s Chris Polk, Cincinnati’s Isaiah Pead and Utah State’s Robert Turbin.